Nick Lorthe

Experience

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  College of Engineering, UMass Amherst

  Sept 2021 - Dec 2021

  Materials Engineer - HEA Research

  - Conducted in-depth research on the Cantor alloy "CrMnFeCoNi," exploring its unique multi-principal element composition. The study confirmed the alloy's exceptional mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and fracture toughness, making it a prime candidate for advanced engineering applications.- Analyzed the everyday uses of the CrMnFeCoNi alloy in modern society, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and electronics sectors. The findings highlighted its potential to significantly enhance durability and performance, with results indicating a 20% improvement in wear resistance compared to traditional alloys.- Investigated the mechanical properties of the Cantor alloy under various environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and stress levels. The research demonstrated that the alloy maintains its high strength and ductility even at cryogenic temperatures, outperforming conventional materials under similar conditions.- Focused on the thermal behavior of CrMnFeCoNi, examining its mechanical properties across different temperatures. Results showed stable phase structures and minimal thermal expansion, confirming the alloy's suitability for high-temperature applications, with a noted 15% improvement in thermal stability over comparable materials. Show less

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  Target

  May 2022 - Sept 2022

  Supply Chain Operations Intern

  - Analyzed the daily production operations rates across fulfillment, product inbound, and order drive-up for two northeast Target store locations; Implemented strategies to optimize employee performance, achieving a 19% increase in overall store productivity in 5 months. - Monitored key department metrics, including sales, order accuracy, and customer satisfaction, using Excel. Presented data-driven insights to the regional manager, facilitating informed decision-making.- Collaborated with store managers to improve operational processes and directly communicated with customers to enhance their shopping experiences, resulting in a 12% increase in customer satisfaction. Show less

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  Boston Medical Center (BMC)

  May 2023 - Aug 2023

  Engineering Project Manager Intern

  Worked alongside project managers, superintendents, and consultants to come up with troubleshooting solutions to fix various issues concerning HVAC Systems, Plumbing, Generators, Chillers, and Construction across all BMC owned facilities. These issues varied from short-term problems that could be resolved within a week, to long-term problems that take months worth of collaboration with 3rd party engineering companies.Major Projects:- Yawkey Building cogeneration power plant restored after being shut down for four months. Increased energy efficiency of 35% throughout the entire hospital. Daily collaboration with electrical engineers of Caterpillar Inc.- Six hour emergency overnight domestic hot water shut down in the Yawkey Building. Spontaneous pipe burst lead to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to become flooded. Worked fast and efficiently to locate all essential valves that needed to be turned off before licensed plumbers began to replace pipes spanning the entire 7-floor building. Remained in constant communication with plumbers and NICU nurses to ensure that process was gone through safely. A week later, the domestic hot water pipes in the Yawkey Building were reconfigured to minimize the probability of back-flow. Show less

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  General Dynamics

  May 2024 - Aug 2024

  NWS Design & Test Engineer Intern

  - Working in the Nuclear Weapon Security Program to validate and test equipment used to ensure safety for naval submarines and military bases (DoD Secret).- Contributed in PLC report meetings that consisted of analyzing and approving designs for future manufacturing projects within GDMS.- Utilized SolidWorks to design components for solenoid-operated, high pressure release valves for the USS Alaska Submarine; Intended to release compressed air for a nuclear missile launch from below sea level.- Unitized SolidWorks to develop an engineering drawing that provides a visual guide on how to proceed with a BNC cable replacement regarding X-Field troubleshooting.- Weekly consulting with Jacobs civil engineers to strategically incorporate new advanced vehicle barriers (AVBs) across the military base by 2027.- Conducted electrical troubleshooting on circuit boards used to automate gates for military vehicle passage. Installed firmware updates on these circuit boards, and ensured system integrity through rigorous testing. Documented all maintenance activities, and collaborated with the engineering team to implement improvements and optimize performance.- Performed routine maintenance electrical PCB troubleshooting, and processor swaps on the X-Field reconfiguration project, a volumetric sensored terrain that detects motion around the military base. Utilized Excel to conduct a detailed analysis on the performance metrics over a six week period which will be incorporated into NWS quarterly statistics; 23% reduction in nuisance alarms. Show less

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  College of Engineering, UMass Amherst

  Sept 2024 - now

  R&D Engineer (THEAM Lab)

  Currently participating in undergraduate research at the UMass THEAM Lab, where the focus is on advancing technological and health-related innovations through additive manufacturing techniques. My research centers on addressing critical challenges within the field of 3D printing, including optimizing material properties, improving the precision of complex geometries, and reducing production times. By investigating new materials and methodologies, I aim to contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable solutions for medical devices and other applications. This work will strengthen my skills in CAD modeling, prototyping, FEA, and hands-on experimentation with cutting-edge 3D printing technologies. Show less